Programs Rooted in Community. Powered by You.
At the Hartford Community Restorative Justice Center, we know that healing happens in community. When harm occurs, when someone returns home from incarceration, or when a conflict divides a group, people deserve more than punishment or silence. They deserve care, accountability, and a path forward.
Our programs create that path. Everything we offer is rooted in relationship. We bring people together to take responsibility, rebuild trust, and support each other through change. Volunteers are the heart of this work, and there are many ways to get involved.
Restorative Panels
Restorative Panels create opportunities for people who have caused harm to take responsibility for their actions, and for those impacted to share their experiences if they wish. A panel of trained community volunteers, the responsible party, and affected parties work together to design a plan for making amends and repairing harm. Referrals come from courts, probation and parole, the State’s Attorney, police departments, schools, and community members. This process holds people accountable while fostering understanding and connection.
Reentry Restorative Panels
Reentry Restorative Panels provide a structured, supportive space for people returning to the community after incarceration. These panels focus on accountability, creating plans for reintegration, and identifying community resources that can help reduce the risk of re-offense. The process builds a bridge between the person returning and the broader community, helping everyone move forward together.
Offender Reentry
The Offender Reentry program supports people returning to the Upper Valley after incarceration through both accountability and assistance. We help participants access employment, housing, recovery support, and life skills training, while setting clear expectations for positive community behavior. Our Transitional Housing Program offers a stable, sober living environment with strong case management, helping participants work toward independence. We partner with landlords, service providers, and recovery communities to ensure a smooth transition to long-term housing.
Mediation and Conflict Resolution
Our Mediation and Conflict Resolution program offers a neutral, restorative process for resolving disputes between individuals or groups. Staff help facilitate constructive dialogue, whether or not the parties meet face-to-face. Agreements are co-created by everyone involved, with the aim of repairing harm and restoring relationships.
Group Conferencing
Group Conferencing brings together everyone involved in or affected by a conflict—often larger groups such as families, schools, or neighborhoods—to design a resolution together. This process is flexible and tailored to the needs of the participants, with the goal of restoring trust and creating agreements that help prevent future harm.
Circles of Peace
Circles of Peace is an evidence-based approach to domestic assault cases rooted in restorative principles. Participants join a circle with a trained facilitator and community volunteers to examine the harm caused, the dynamics of power and control, and ways to prevent future violence. The process prioritizes survivor safety while encouraging personal accountability and transformation. Accredited by the Vermont Council on Domestic Violence, Circles of Peace meets weekly and welcomes volunteers who can commit to participating in the program over time.
Victim Support Services
Our Victim Support Services provide resources, information, and a compassionate presence for those impacted by crime. We offer safe, victim-initiated, and victim-centered processes that can include attending restorative justice meetings, participating in discussions by phone, writing an impact statement, or choosing not to engage at all. Volunteers may sit alongside victims, assist with preparing statements, and ensure their voices are heard in ways that feel safe and empowering.
Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA)
CoSAs are small, committed teams of community volunteers who meet weekly for a year with a person returning from prison. These circles offer both support and accountability, helping core members navigate challenges like finding housing, employment, and social connections. The goal is simple and vital: no more crimes and no more victims. CoSAs are a proven way to reduce recidivism while building trust between individuals and the community.
Pre-Charge Program
The Pre-Charge program offers a restorative alternative for addressing wrongdoing before formal charges are filed. Participants meet with those affected, their families, and community members to take responsibility, understand the impact of their actions, and create a plan for repair. Referrals come through the State’s Attorney and local police departments, and the process can include panels or mediation.
Interested in Volunteering?
Volunteers make restorative justice possible in Hartford. Join us to serve on Restorative Justice Panels, take part in Circles of Peace, or walk alongside neighbors through Circles of Support and Accountability. Your presence helps people take responsibility, repair harm, and find a path forward with dignity. Learn more.